Andy Burnham recently took to the stage at the Labour party conference in Liverpool, delivering a keynote speech outlining his vision of Britain, and how he wants to get there. Burnham’s speech hinged on the idea of togetherness, and he urged for unity in the face of what may be the most divided Britain we’ve seen, politically and socially.
Housing was once again a key part of Burnham’s plans, doubling down on his first pledge as Prime Minister to end rough sleeping and ensure that safe housing became a definite for the population of the UK.
Before the conference, the government announced reforms to Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs), with the intention of empowering councils to seize empty homes with more efficiency. The reforms will streamline the processes for councils to take ownership of empty homes, reducing the required vacancy period from two years to just six months, as well as removing some of the surrounding requirements for councils to take ownership.
During his speech at the conference, Burnham expanded on his measures to aid councils in growing their housing stock, taking aim at private landlords providing poor services for their tenants. Private landlords who refuse to upgrade their sub-standard properties will be warned to invest in their properties, with councils being given new powers to seize the properties should the homes not see an improvement.
READ MORE: Inside Future Foundations Zone Three: People, Homes & Communities
The measures are conducive to Burnham’s overall vision of “the biggest council housing boom since the post-war era”, a campaign that will be led by Angela Rayner. In addition to enabling councils to more easily take control of existing properties, he has also imposed restrictions on the RTB scheme, reducing the offered discounts and protecting any newbuild council housing from the policy, a move he says will make sure any new social housing will remain in use “for generations to come”.
The Prime Ministers focus on council homes is part of a wider pivot towards public ownership, an initiative that has been mirrored across a number of other industries. During his speech, he pledged to overturn Thatcher’s 1980s policy that restricted public ownership of industries like energy, water and gas, looking to provide an alternative to private companies.
Chief Executive of the Northern Housing Consortium Tracy Harrison said:
“The social housing sector in the North stands ready to make the Prime Minister’s vision a reality. We are well placed to build on the devolution agenda with established Mayoral Strategic Authorities and Housing Partnerships bringing together councils and housing associations with the Mayors’ teams to deliver more homes, better places, and unlock jobs and better health through working together.
“There have been some positive announcements this week on supporting first time buyers, bringing empty homes back into use and improving high streets. But to fully capitalise on this ambition in the North, regeneration funding, alongside funding for building new social homes, is needed to revitalise communities and address homes that no longer meet the needs of local people.
“Whilst we do need Councils building more homes, housing associations already have much of the infrastructure needed to quickly get to work building new homes and improving or replacing existing homes, bringing immediate benefits to communities. I would urge the Government to work with housing associations, alongside councils, to unlock this capacity. The well-established relationships and track record of partnership working in the North means we’re ready to deliver.”
Burnhams speech shows a clear intent to return to traditional Labour values, something many felt his predecessor Kier Starmer had largely abandoned. For housing, Burnham seems intent to pursue his vision of mass council ownership as a key lever to tackle the ongoing housing crisis, and reduce the record levels of homelessness.
Housing Executive: Future Foundations will be putting discussions surround the housing crisis and homelessness at the forefront. You can secure your tickets here.
